Find out how and why to clean your belly button

When bathing, it is common for people to wash all parts of their body, however, there is one part that can be forgotten: the navel. Due to its shape, the navel can accumulate dirt, oil, dead skin, clothing fibers and others, which lead to bad smell, itching and even infection. With this, the Dr Karan RajanNHS surgeon, warns of the importance of cleaning this area.

The importance of cleaning the navel

Dr. Karan Rajan explains that due to its shape, the navel is a place that can accumulate various dirt and bacteria, which can lead to an infection in the area. Furthermore, a study carried out by Belly Button Biodiversity at North Carolina State University found that there are, on average, 67 different bacteria in the belly button. In the study, the researchers discovered that one of the volunteers was harboring a bacteria that had only been found in Japan, but this volunteer had never been to Japan. Another volunteer, who apparently had not showered in a while, was harboring a bacteria that normally lives in extreme conditions, such as the North Pole.

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_{Cleaning the navel is important for everyone, especially for those who have a piercing in the area (Photo: reproduction/Zave Smith/Getty Images Embed)}

Cleaning this region is important for both newborns – who may have a higher risk of omphalitis – and adults, especially for those who have piercings in the region. It is important that this area is cleaned daily.

How to clean your belly button

It is possible to clean your navel while taking a shower. It is recommended that you use a neutral soap – like those for babies, for example – and wash the navel gently, with your little finger, and rinse well with water. After bathing, gently dry the area with a towel. To keep the navel dry, also use a clean cotton swab to suck out any moisture that may still be present. It is not necessary to “scrape” the navel with the cotton swab, as just the contact will make the cotton absorb the water. If necessary, use the other clean side of the swab.

The second way to clean the navel requires a little more cotton swabs, but it is a good alternative for those who have a more inward and closed navel. To do this, simply wet the tips of the cotton swab in warm water and wipe them with neutral soap. Gently pass the cotton swab over the navel and its “walls”. Repeat the process until the swab comes out clean. To dry, use dry cotton swabs.

It is also important to remember not to use creams, oils or ointments on the navel, to avoid the accumulation of moisture in the area. If your navel is red and itchy, see a doctor and follow his instructions.

Featured photo: correctly cleaning the navel prevents bad odor and infection in the area (Reproduction/Laurence Monneret/Getty Images Embed)